American Indian Report - November/December 2008 - (Page 24)

ENVIRONMENT Ohkay Owingeh Restores Wetlands, Protects Drinking Water By Kimberly Hayes By restoring wetlands on its pueblo and ensuring safe drinking water for its people, the Ohkay Owingeh Tribe exemplifies diverse and innovative tribal practices, according to an Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Interior Department report. The tribe is among 14 tribes recognized in the report, titled Tribal Successes: Protecting the Environment and Natural Resources. The report said that although tribes face common barriers in environmental management, they could be overcome through innovative practices, like collaboration and partnerships, education and outreach and expanding resources. The tribe, located in New Mexico, is made up of 2,400 people. The tribe began using its traditional name in November 2005, after having gone by the Spanish name San Juan Pueblo since the 16th century. Funding is sparse for the tribal programs and there are few economic resources on the pueblo. Tribal officials look for new opportunities to create growth, like renting out spaces in its RV Park. Tsay, a tribe-owned corporation, owns and operates a casino and hotel, and the tribe raises cattle and leases farmland. They have implemented this innovative spirit in their environmental efforts as well, and received the 2004 National Award for Smart Growth from EPA for low income housing on Pueblo land. Wetlands restoration The tribe began restoring wetlands to reverse effects associated with a channel project on the Rio Grande. The project had been conducted by the US Army Corps of Engineers and intended to control flooding. The project ended up removing water from the forest, causing native vegetation and wildlife to disappear, according to the report. The wetlands act as a secondary filtration system for water and become part of groundwater system, which ultimately hurt the tribe’s drinking water. The tribe is currently working to restore 750 acres of wetlands. A contractor guides tribal restoration, which is done mostly by volunteers and students. Officials estimate that 1,500-2,000 acres could be restored. The tribe is also working with outside communities to restore wetlands and improve overall water quality in surrounding areas. The restoration has resulted in revival of the beaver populations other species, according to the report. To preserve and continue these efforts, the Tribal Council 24 November/December 2008 American Indian Report

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of American Indian Report - November/December 2008

American Indian Report - November/December 2008 Contents Notes from Indian Country Elders Conference Offers Balancing Lessons Student Blanket Design Reflects Plains Horse Culture Congress: Activity on the Hill Prep School Recruits Native Students for Transitional Year Prior to College Honoring Nations Clinton Global Initiative Brings Native American Focus to the World A Q&A with Indian Country’s Top Cop Urban Clinics Go Paperless with IHS Record System Ohkay Owingeh Restores Wetlands, Protects Drinking Water Blogroll

American Indian Report - November/December 2008

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